summaryIn this episode of Three Homeless Guys, journalist Joel Pollack, technology expert Ron Goldschmidt, and entrepreneur Oren Ezra engage with Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton. They discuss the aftermath of the Palisades fire, the importance of community engagement through town halls, and the implications of Trump's executive order on permitting. Hilton critiques California's political leadership, emphasizing the role of unions in governance and the state's economic challenges, including a significant budget deficit and rising healthcare costs. He outlines his vision for California, advocating for structural reforms and the CalDoge initiative to tackle waste and fraud in the budget. The conversation highlights the need for change in California's political landscape and the importance of winning elections to implement these changes.

• Steve Hilton emphasizes the importance of community engagement through town halls.
• Trump's executive order aims to streamline the permitting process in California.
• California's political leadership is criticized for inaction and bureaucracy.
• Unions play a significant role in California's governance and economic challenges.
• California faces a substantial budget deficit and economic issues.
• Healthcare costs in California are rising, with calls for reform.
• Hilton outlines his vision for California, focusing on practical solutions.
• Winning elections is crucial for implementing change in California.
• The CalDoge initiative aims to identify waste and fraud in the budget.
• Structural problems in California's government hinder effective governance.

https://nypost.com/2026/01/27/us-news/trump-orders-feds-to-take-over-californias-wildfire-rebuilding/?utm_campaign=iphone_nyp&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

Trump Takes Over - THG Quick TakeIn this episode, the hosts discuss the recent executive order signed by President Trump regarding the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire burn areas. The order allows the federal government to take control of the permitting process and investigate the use of federal disaster funds. The conversation highlights the implications of this order, including the potential for increased accountability in rebuilding efforts and the relationship between state and federal governments.

takeaways

• The executive order allows federal control over permitting processes.
• There is a significant amount of unspent federal disaster funds.
• The Trump administration is taking a more active role in California's rebuilding efforts.
• Legal challenges are expected from state and local governments.
• The executive order aims to improve accountability in disaster response.
• The president's personal interest in California is notable.
• The order may change the dynamics between state and federal authorities.
• The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is under scrutiny for unspent funds.
• The administration's commitment to rebuilding is emphasized.
• The hosts express optimism about the potential outcomes of the order.

In this episode of 'Three Homeless Guys', host Joel Pollak discusses various pressing issues in California, including the recent permit fee waivers for rebuilding homes after the Palisades fire, Governor Gavin Newsom's controversial speech at Davos, and the growing concern over fraud in the state. The conversation delves into high-profile fraud cases, the implications for California's budget, and the impact of fraud on fire aid and recovery efforts. The episode highlights the need for accountability and transparency in government spending, especially in light of the significant increase in the state budget over the past decade.

takeaways

• California's budget has doubled in the last decade, but services have not improved accordingly.
• Fraud in California is a significant issue, with billions lost to fraudulent activities.
• Permit fee waivers for rebuilding homes are a positive step for fire victims.
• Gavin Newsom's speech at Davos raised eyebrows for its controversial content.
• High-profile fraud cases in other states highlight vulnerabilities in California's systems.
• The lack of accountability in California's government agencies is alarming.
• Fire aid funds have been mismanaged, leading to skepticism about their effectiveness.
• Independent journalism plays a crucial role in uncovering fraud and mismanagement.
• The relationship between government funding and political connections can lead to corruption.
• The future of California's financial health is uncertain due to rising debts and obligations.